Specialist in Houston is sensitive to needs of hair loss sufferers of all ages

Hair loss is a devastating condition that is plagued by a number of myths. This condition requires a knowledgeable and empathetic hair loss specialist in the Houston area. Dr. Seymour Weaver has quite literally “written the book” on how to stop thinning and avoid permanent baldness.

Myth No. 1: Baldness is an “old man’s” condition.

The American Hair Loss Association (AHLA) reports by the age of 35, two-thirds of men will have experienced some hair loss. This indicates baldness is by no means limited to senior citizens. In fact, the AHLA also reports 25 percent of men who suffer with male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) begin to experience its effects before the age of 21!

While it’s true that hair thins gradually as people get older, the Dr. W Dermatology team regularly sees people of all ages who are suffering with this embarrassing confidence-killer. Male pattern baldness is responsible for the majority of male hair loss cases, and the progression and degree of balding is largely determined by genetics.

Myth No. 2: Hair loss in women is rare.

It may come as a surprise to you that women make up 40 percent of all American hair loss sufferers. Women can also suffer from androgenetic alopecia or “female pattern baldness.” Unlike their male counterparts, women often have thin areas across the entire scalp. Androgenetic alopecia among women is largely inherited.

Telogen effluvium is another common cause of female hair loss. This term refers to how a dramatic change or event, like pregnancy or a severe infection, can cause around 90 percent of hair in the anagen or catagen growing and resting phases to shift suddenly to the telogen or shedding phase. This usually occurs six weeks to three months after the stressful trigger. While it is possible to recover from telogen effluvium, for some women it is a chronic condition that persists for months or years.

In addition to some of these common factors and causes, the Dr. W Dermatology team may determine you are suffering from “traction alopecia,” which is local trauma to the hair follicle caused by tight hairstyles such as braids, tight buns, or ponytails. With early intervention, much of the long-term damage of traction alopecia can be avoided and hair will regrow over time. While rare in the Western world, vitamin deficiencies may be severe enough to cause hair to fall out.

Likely causes of hair loss may include:

• Alopecia areata – This patchy hair loss happens when the immune system turns on itself, and attacks the hair follicles.
• Infections – Ringworm can invade the hair and scalp tissue, producing scaly bald patches. Once treated, normal hair growth is generally restored.
• Medical treatments – Drugs and therapies, such as radiation and medications to treat cancer, are associated with hair loss. While thickness can be restored, hair may not grow back in quite the same way as before.

Treatments can be as varied as the many factors in thinning and baldness. Solutions may be as straightforward as Dr. Weaver and his team recommending lifestyle and product changes, or your condition may be improved with topical or systemic medications and light-based therapies.

Your specialized treatment plan starts with a consultation and accurate diagnosis. Call 281 771-0494 to schedule an appointment at offices conveniently located in Katy and Houston.